We’ve cruised for over 20 years with lots of different companies, most recently with P&O, but our Christmas cruise was booked on Thomson Majesty – with a Canary Island routing.
We’d just booked the cheapest outside cabin, and got one on Deck 3 with a reasonable sized window, although the configuration was 2 single beds – and there wasn’t room to convert to a double – so my recommendation would be to upgrade to the larger cabin if the cost isn’t too high.
The bathroom was adequate with a larger shower than we’ve had on some cruises recently, but there were no shelves in the bathroom, and toiletries were the dispenser type. No conditioner or body lotion ladies, so take your own!
There was a wardrobe but it lacked long hanging space because there was a safe and a cupboard located in it. One irritation is that Thomson charge for the use of the safe which is annoying.
Linen was clean and the cabin well looked after by the room ladies, although the furnishings showing their age a bit.
The ship itself is older, but the staff cannot do enough for you. They wore their Christmas hats throughout the cruise and they were unfailingly pleasant and smiling. We were very impressed at the way the buffet staff helped some infirm guests get their meals.
The buffet was amazingly quiet – we could always get a table and there was never the usual breakfast scrum. There was a good selection of food, including English style bacon. Out on deck was an egg station including omelettes and eggs Benedict one side, and pancakes and waffles on the other. There were plenty of tables inside and out.
Food overall was good, although another cost cutting measure was charging extra for Steaks in the dining room. Around £12.00 which is a lot. There was a speciality restaurant – but at £19.99 extra we didn’t try it out. Food overall was good and the waiters excellent. Wine was good quality and reasonably priced. We didn’t take advantage of the all-inclusive deals. I was disappointed with the cocktails – made with poor quality juices, but managed to find drinks I liked.
The Christmas theme was great, with decorations everywhere, lovely gingerbread houses and trees. Santa even came down the funnel for Christmas Day – which was a delight for children on board.
The best part was the entertainment. We have never seen better on any ship. The cruise director Shep was great – and special mention to the pianist Kirsty Ann who was great. The dancers and singers were brilliant, two standing ovations in a week was pretty impressive.
Ports of call were good. We enjoyed La Gomera and Madeira especially. We didn’t get to Lanzarote because of high winds.
Flights were on time and no problems. 5 hours outward, and just over 4 coming home.